The 2003 Draft - Running Backs

Tony Pauline

02/11/2003

They're not as weak as the early projections had them, but not as strong as hoped for - that's the best way to characterize this April's running back crop. While there's several multi-dimensional ball handlers, there's just as many with major durability questions.

"After years of the slippery, elusive running
backs, Penn State has settled on the power running of Larry Johnson, the
Lions top rusher since 2001. Johnson put
together a good campaign in 2002, enhancing his draft status and making NFL
scouts take notice of him. " Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

Scouting Report:

The Good: Big, strong runner starting to come into his own. A patient
back with nice vision, waits for blocks to develop and uses an effective
straight-arm, staying on his feet after initial contact. Powerful lower body
which enables him to break tackles and move the pile of defenders trying to
bring him down. Gives effort when blocking, breaks down playing with solid
techniques and picking up his assignments, squaring into the oncoming defender.
Decent safety valve as a receiver out of the backfield.

The Bad: Overall running lacks quickness, speed, and elusiveness.
Runs with an upright style and not fast through the hole.

The Skinny: To his credit, starting to pull the pieces together
in 2002, which could result in a first day selection, or at the very least the
middle frames, should he run well prior to April.

"Entering the 2001 campaign, many considered Lee
Suggs the top running back in college football and the number one pro prospect
at his position, but a major knee injury during the first game of the season
quickly put an end to his year. Suggs is back and showing the same skills he
displayed as a junior, but where does he fit in at the next level? " Tony
Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

Scouting Report:

The Good: Quick, shifty back coming off a major knee injury.
Explosive runner with quickness through the hole and a burst of speed in the
open field. Patient, waits for his blocks to develop, then sets up defenders
and makes them miss, side-stepping opponents with his ability to quickly cut it
back. Breaks down well, plays with forward lean and gives effort blocking. Best
on the interior as a north-south runner that weaves through the traffic,
breaking arm tackles and working his runs.

The Bad: Only average hands, not effective outside of tackle and
loses momentum running in anything other than a straight line. Suffered a major
knee injury which shelved him for almost all of the 2001 campaign. Quickly got
back to form this season, though he presently has the benefit of sharing the
ball with another skilled runner.

The Skinny: Instincts and speed make him a quality prospect and
high pick next April, assuming test results on his injured knee are negative.

"A highly touted recruit at the University of
Tennessee,
Onterrio Smith was forced off the team after several rules
violations but has landed on his feet in Eugene, carrying the ball for the
Ducks and helping them to national prominence. Along the way he is
establishing himself as one of the best running back prospects in the
nation." Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

Scouting Report:

The Good: Elusive, versatile running back effective carrying the
ball or catching it out of the backfield. Quick footed, displays some wiggle in
his runs and leaves defenders grasping for air as he makes them miss at the
point of attack. Has somewhat of a slashing style and quickly cuts it back
against the grain, avoiding piles or opponents altogether. Fast with a burst of
speed through the hole or the ability to get outside around tackle, and beats
opponents to the corners. Also a patient ball carrier that waits for his blocks
to develop. Runs with balance, works hard, and keeps his feet moving up the
field. Though an elusive runner, does more north/south running rather than just
trying to dance around opponents. Excellent receiver with soft, natural hands
and the ability to adjust for the errant throw.

The Bad: Prefers not to block even in a pinch, lacks the classic
size for an every-down runner, and has had more than his fair share of problems
off the field. Seems to have buckled down and is getting his priorities in
order, though there's room for improvement.

The Skinny: A big-time prospect at the next level as he's a back
with a little Marshall Faulk in him, and an impact offensive player at the next
level if he keeps his focus, concentration, and does the right thing.

"Gary Barnett has had a host of talented running
backs in his college coaching career and Chris Brown could be the best. A
powerful runner with intellect, Brown runs around opponents with as much
ferocity as he runs through them." Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

Scouting Report:

The Good: Big, powerful runner that carries the load and moves
the pile. Combines strong hips and lower body, keeps his feet moving up the
field, easily adjusting off the first hit. Picks up a lot of yardage off the initial
contact and stays off the ground. Rarely tackled by a single opponent, drags
defenders and does not go down without a fight. More than just a road-grader - sees the field, follows blocks - an
intelligent ball carrier. Displays a short burst through the hole and effectiveness
between tackles.

The Bad: Lacks the great breakaway speed, not an elusive runner
and best between tackles.

The Skinny: Good size for the next level as an interior runner
and can complete the equation this year by proving he can handle the duties as
an every-down ball carrier. Best if he stays in college but should he leave,
pre-draft speed will dictate much.

"The talent level at Baton Rouge is getting to be
enormous, so much so that productive seniors must sit on the bench to make
way for up and coming youngsters that may hold more upside. Such is the case
with Domanick Davis, a skilled runner and solid pro prospect who may just
slip through the cracks next April." Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

Scouting Report:

The Good: Quick, versatile skill player overshadowed by the
bigger names on his team. Tremendous footwork with the ability to set up
defenders, quickly cut it back and makes opponents miss. Sees the field, finds
the hole, and displays a burst of speed through it. Patient, waiting for his
blocks to develop and elusive enough to scamper outside around tackle and get
to the corners. Also strings together several moves in one carry. Plays much
faster than his forty time. Impacts the game as a return specialist and nice
receiver out of the backfield, though his stats would not lead you to that
conclusion.

The Bad: Has a compact build with a strong lower body but does
not show the ability to pick up much yardage off initial contact or break
tackles.

The Skinny: A player that will fall through the cracks next April
but a prospect that has a definite future at the next level as a third down
back, return specialist, and an occasional primary ball carrier.

"Known as a school that is pass the ball first,
second, and sometimes third, Earnest Graham has been an exceptional back for
the Gators three years running and displays a lot of skill for the next
level." Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

Scouting Report:

The Good: Productive ball carrier that's been the Gators' feature
back three years running. Smart, instinctive, and possesses excellent running
skills. Patient back that waits for his blocks to develop, sees the field and
finds the open hole in the defense. Will pick and choose his spots, works to
set up defenders and displays a small stutter-step which he uses to avoid
opponents or bounce it to the outside. Runs with forward lean, keeps his feet
moving up the field and picks up yardage off initial contact. Aggressive, uses
an effective straight-arm and works to finish his runs. Solid receiver out of
the backfield and a reliable safety valve. Adequate when called upon to
block.

The Bad: Lacks a burst and open-field speed, and cannot run to
daylight. Shorter than what one wants in an every-down ball carrier.

The Skinny: Desire, natural skills, and productivity will help
him be successful at the next level but, unless he turns in a blistering
forty-time prior to April, a marginal first day selection.

"Always known as one that had tremendous innate
skills, Cecil Sapp's career at Colorado State has been characterized by
injury and sharing the ball in the Ram backfield. After a tremendous 2002
campaign, Sapp has pushed himself into the early reaches of the draft's first
day." Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

Scouting Report:

The Good: Big, powerful ball carrier with terrific overall
running skills. Displays vision, seeing the field and finding the hole. Weaves
his way through the traffic, getting to the open spot on the field and picking
up positive yardage. Displays wiggle and some shake-n-bake in a small area and
sets up defenders, making them miss. Strong enough to redirect off the initial
hit to gain yardage after initial contact, and tough to knock off his feet.
Plays a fast game for a bigger back, exploding through the hole, running well
in the open.

The Bad: Because of injuries and depth at the position, has only
one complete season under his belt. Not used much as a receiver out of the
backfield.

The Skinny: Showed us a lot of skill based on the '00 tape and is
coming off a tremendous campaign in 2002 which, combined with good pre-draft
workouts, could catapult him towards the early part of round two.

Projected order in draft: Early 4th round.

To view the entire list of Running Backs
available for the 2003 NFL Draft, click here.